Thursday's game
Carmel vs. Palma at Rabobank Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
No team in Monterey County has beaten Palma in back-to-back seasons in 33 years.
While this was suppose to be a home game for Carmel, it agreed to return to Rabobank while its field is in the final stages of completion.
And why not?
It's where the Padres beat Palma, the only loss the Chieftains suffered in their new digs last fall in the regular season.
While Palma is somewhat of a mystery on offense, the defense has six starters back, including all-league lineman Eduardo Barbosa.
That's critical as Palma attempts to slow down three-year starting quarterback Connor Marden, who has thrown for over 5,000 yards in the last two years.
Marden has all of his targets back, including William Kehoe, who caught nine passes in last years game against Palma. I don't know if a linebacker can run with Carmel tight end John Stivers.
While the Padres gave up a school record 77 points in a playoff loss last year, seven of those players are back.
Palma does not want to get into a shootout with Carmel.
John Devine has been writing about high school sports in Monterey County since, well, practically since he was an athlete at King City in the days just after leather helmets. In PrepNation, John has even more in-depth analysis of the latest results and news he's brought to you in The Herald and in his weekly videos.
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4 comments:
Carmel doesn't bring back all of its receivers. They lost Spanos and Lackey, and also RB Smith (big hole to fill) to graduation. Stivers had one reception for ten yards in their last game. Palma defense held Carmel to it's lowest points for the whole year (20 pts). Palma offense at the time was basically no existent. Even though Palma had to reload most of offense, this years offense will be more multi-dimensional and overall better at this stage of the season than last year. Defense should be better as well. Most of the DBs return and LBs and line (although Pezzini is out for year and another one may sit out this game). Last year's game also had lots of turnovers on both sides. I would expect Carmel to throw to Stivers more this game than last, but Palma will scheme him and the other WR who did have a great game. Marden may have to run more this game. I would be surprised if Carmel holds Palma to 10 pts this game and yes Palma defense will have its hands full. Should be a very good game. Palma offense should surprise this game, but this game I see has a very good one.
This should be an awesome game. With the loss of Holden I see Carmel using the passing game to open up the run game. They have a pair of Soph RBs that look pretty good. Palma has always struggled with teams that run a spread. If Carmel does air it out, the pass rush will be key for palma. I dont think Palmas offense is surprising anyone. They are young and athletic. They could put up 30+ or they could score less than 14. I wouldnt be surprised with either result. I think carmel takes this game. Ill say 32-24 carmel.
Palma was way more physical on defense in second half, and Palma line wore out Carmel defense. Carmel RB is a load though and Marden looked good at time. Was surprised by Carmel defense. They gave Palma 3 yards before touching the RBs. Marden and Carmel receivers were contained in the second half. Palma gets redemption for last season. This is the first year of what should be an up cycle for the Chieftains over the next couple years with all the underclassmen they have. This game probably will end up Carmel's lowest scoring for a game this season.
Palma was way more physical on defense in second half, and Palma line wore out Carmel defense. Carmel RB is a load though and Marden looked good at time. Was surprised by Carmel defense. They gave Palma 3 yards before touching the RBs. Marden and Carmel receivers were contained in the second half. Palma gets redemption for last season. This is the first year of what should be an up cycle for the Chieftains over the next couple years with all the underclassmen they have. This game probably will end up Carmel's lowest scoring for a game this season.
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